Wild Thing Show Artists
Below read about each of the artists that entered artwork into the Wild Things Show:
Artist Don Penny
As a maker, the goal of my work is to use color, texture, and form to create a visually stimulating object. This also provides me with the means to develop my own unique artistic voice. I put effort into not using my art as a means to push my own personal beliefs onto the audience. I believe that any meaning or concept belongs to the viewer; the appeal of the work is what is paramount. I draw my inspiration from life, nature, and my community. Don Penny
Artist Erin Meyers
Erin Meyers is an artist, environmental scientist, and creativity enthusiast. Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, her proximity to the ocean and river sparked her passion for nature at an early age.
With a background in Marine Science and Biochemistry, Erin is an environmental Specialist for the State of Florida, investigating water contamination. Her education and career reflect her desire to protect Florida’s delicate ecosystems.
Erin’s reverence for nature and wildlife comes forth in her art through the surreal, whimsical lens of her unique perspective. An intuitive painter, she approaches each project spontaneously, with her focus fully in the creative process. Erin embraces the raw authenticity of her creative process and relishes art that is born from surrender to the creative flow.
She shares her creative process through facilitating intuitive painting workshops both locally and online. Her passion for the process is magnetic and has attracted many devoted students.
With a background in Marine Science and Biochemistry, Erin is an environmental Specialist for the State of Florida, investigating water contamination. Her education and career reflect her desire to protect Florida’s delicate ecosystems.
Erin’s reverence for nature and wildlife comes forth in her art through the surreal, whimsical lens of her unique perspective. An intuitive painter, she approaches each project spontaneously, with her focus fully in the creative process. Erin embraces the raw authenticity of her creative process and relishes art that is born from surrender to the creative flow.
She shares her creative process through facilitating intuitive painting workshops both locally and online. Her passion for the process is magnetic and has attracted many devoted students.
Artist Lori Ann Sweet
It is hard to imagine when a pencil or paintbrush was not in my hands.
The pencil began a personal journal documenting ones journey and influences. One repetitive theme is experiencing nature and the habitats or wildlife up close. This has led down paths least predicted and offered much more than one could ever hope for. This has impacted the subject matter when creating and offered valuable life time of experiences. The story began while growing up on the shore of Long Island, NY. Traveling became a part of every day adventure. I found comfort in learning about history, enthusiasm in creating, and peace in observation of nature. I attend the School of Visual Arts, NYC, NY and became a recipient of both the MFA and BFA. This offered an awakening on how to express and create artwork. When my husband and I moved to Florida in 2015 the colors and stories being told had developed into a new chapter. The artwork is a small sample reflecting only an afternoon or in one’s life. There story will continue and there is so much more to express and be told.
Social Media Links . Website: Lori Sweet Fine Art . Facebook: (20+) Lori Ann Sweet Gallery | Facebook
Instagram: Lori Ann Sweet (@lorisweet94) • Instagram photos and videos
The pencil began a personal journal documenting ones journey and influences. One repetitive theme is experiencing nature and the habitats or wildlife up close. This has led down paths least predicted and offered much more than one could ever hope for. This has impacted the subject matter when creating and offered valuable life time of experiences. The story began while growing up on the shore of Long Island, NY. Traveling became a part of every day adventure. I found comfort in learning about history, enthusiasm in creating, and peace in observation of nature. I attend the School of Visual Arts, NYC, NY and became a recipient of both the MFA and BFA. This offered an awakening on how to express and create artwork. When my husband and I moved to Florida in 2015 the colors and stories being told had developed into a new chapter. The artwork is a small sample reflecting only an afternoon or in one’s life. There story will continue and there is so much more to express and be told.
Social Media Links . Website: Lori Sweet Fine Art . Facebook: (20+) Lori Ann Sweet Gallery | Facebook
Instagram: Lori Ann Sweet (@lorisweet94) • Instagram photos and videos
Artist Kim Guzzone Collier
My work is a snapshot of the drama found in the relationship between the plants and animals living in my yard. The bold colors and patterns are taken from direct observation. The direct and indirect lines represent the energy of all the living parts.
[email protected]
Kimguzzonecollier.com
Guzzone_collier_painter on Instagram
[email protected]
Kimguzzonecollier.com
Guzzone_collier_painter on Instagram
Artist Mariana M Pittman
Mariana M. Pittman
Artist Rhashid Dukes
My name is Rhashid Dukes, and I am a zoological Illustrator. I have artistically illustrated animals in both digital and traditional mediums. I have done art for most of my life and it has been featured in magazines, galleries, and festivals throughout the city. My artistic mission is to bring the beauty of the natural world to the populace. I want people to see the same beauty I share with them through my art.
Artist Sunil Ancha
Sunil Ancha is an award-winning photographer. He is passionate about giving back to the community, savoring the bond, trust and friendship with people whose intentions are to make a positive difference. He balances precious time with his family, work and a growing history of community involvement.
Artist Alyssa Hennigar
I'm Alyssa Hennigar, also known as Bamboo River Art. I reside in northern Florida and I'm currently a fine arts student at University of North Florida. I create watercolor, collage, charcoal, and coffee-stained artwork. I focus a lot on Felidae species, particularly big cats; but I also make artwork featuring other subjects like still lives, people, and abstract art. I frame and matt all my artworks myself using upcycled frames and thus I consider the frames part of the artwork.
Artist Haylie Betz
Haylie Betz is an emerging artist from rural Pennsylvania. She enlisted in the US Navy after High School graduation craving for excitement. She soon found herself absorbed in the vibrant colors of Florida’s coast. Using watercolor and acrylic paint markers, she creates vivid landscapes scattered with dream-like imagery. During her time in Jacksonville, her art has been featured in the 904 Pop Up and the Toon Town Street Market, selling original paintings, prints, and tattoo designs.
What is more wild and untamed than the inner workings of the human consciousness?
“A Cowboy Can Dream” is an 11” by 14” watercolor painting with acrylic paint marker accents that pays homage to that final frontier.
What is more wild and untamed than the inner workings of the human consciousness?
“A Cowboy Can Dream” is an 11” by 14” watercolor painting with acrylic paint marker accents that pays homage to that final frontier.
Artist Doug Johnson
Doug Johnson has been painting for over 45 years, using his talents to describe in oils and acrylics his travels, careers, and passions for nature, medicine, technology, and aviation.
Born at the West Point Military Academy, Doug traveled the world as an “Air Force brat” during his youth. After receiving his B.S from Virginia Tech and M.D. from the Medical College of Virginia, he studied Internal Medicine in San Antonio, followed by Radiation Oncology at Stanford. After several years as an active duty U.S. Air Force cancer specialist, flight surgeon, and hospital administrator, Dr. Johnson continued his civilian practice in Florida and Georgia.
Creativity lies at the heart of what drives Dr. Johnson: “My world revolves around thinking in three or four dimensions, whether it involves creating complex treatments to target cancer, winging safely through the skies as a pilot, or to laying down feelings and memories on canvas.”
Although largely self-taught, Doug has studied under artists Paul Ladnier, Greg Barnes, Ken Dewaard, George Van Hook, and Bill Farnsworth. He is a member of the St. Augustine and North Georgia Art Associations, Jacksonville Artist Guild, Jacksonville Coalition for Visual Arts, and the First Coast Plein Air Painters association. Doug is also a member of the Florida Artist Group (FLAG).
Born at the West Point Military Academy, Doug traveled the world as an “Air Force brat” during his youth. After receiving his B.S from Virginia Tech and M.D. from the Medical College of Virginia, he studied Internal Medicine in San Antonio, followed by Radiation Oncology at Stanford. After several years as an active duty U.S. Air Force cancer specialist, flight surgeon, and hospital administrator, Dr. Johnson continued his civilian practice in Florida and Georgia.
Creativity lies at the heart of what drives Dr. Johnson: “My world revolves around thinking in three or four dimensions, whether it involves creating complex treatments to target cancer, winging safely through the skies as a pilot, or to laying down feelings and memories on canvas.”
Although largely self-taught, Doug has studied under artists Paul Ladnier, Greg Barnes, Ken Dewaard, George Van Hook, and Bill Farnsworth. He is a member of the St. Augustine and North Georgia Art Associations, Jacksonville Artist Guild, Jacksonville Coalition for Visual Arts, and the First Coast Plein Air Painters association. Doug is also a member of the Florida Artist Group (FLAG).
Artist Amber Pritchett
My name is Amber Pritchett; I'm a 41 year old stay at home mom and co-founder of Adarly Creations. I started painting with fluid acrylics in 2019. I try to get in my home studio as often as I can.
I knew the “Wild Things” exhibition was coming up and was thinking about things in the wild. I kept coming back to flowers. I had never painted a flower before so I thought I'd try it. "Start of a Garden" is the first flower painting I poured. After I got the hang of pouring one flower, I wanted to see if I could paint two or more in a canvas. I chose a 15x30 inch canvas to give me more room to paint. I ended up with "Amber's Hibiscus".
I knew the “Wild Things” exhibition was coming up and was thinking about things in the wild. I kept coming back to flowers. I had never painted a flower before so I thought I'd try it. "Start of a Garden" is the first flower painting I poured. After I got the hang of pouring one flower, I wanted to see if I could paint two or more in a canvas. I chose a 15x30 inch canvas to give me more room to paint. I ended up with "Amber's Hibiscus".
Artist Abby Howard Murphy
Her artistic perspective has grown through her travels and professional life; law of the sea with the International Institute for Environment and Development; illustrating dune plants of the Turks & Caicos; creating the original Superfund list for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; consulting with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Everglades restoration; launching the University of North Florida Environmental Center; education programs in the St. Johns River with JRWMD; and preserving special places with the North Florida Land Trust. An award-winning artist, Abby works both in studio and plein air.
Artist Connor Poovey
Connor Poovey is an artist residing in Jacksonville Florida, who earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of North Florida. As a mixed media artist, Connor uses his knowledge of printmaking, drawing, painting, and graffiti to create a variety of vibrant works. His work often becomes a symbolic metaphor for the complex relationship between humanity and nature; touching on themes related to psychology, emotions, and our own evolutionary development. Connor’s goal is to create artworks that will educate about humanity's impact on wildlife and hopefully open people’s hearts to new relationships with nature.
Website: Cpooveyart.com
Instagram: @c.pooveyart
Email: [email protected]
Website: Cpooveyart.com
Instagram: @c.pooveyart
Email: [email protected]
Artist Brianna Justiniano
“My name is Brianna Justiniano and I have been practicing art for 15 years now. It is the language of my soul and all its genuineness.”
Artist Ron Episcopo
Ron Episcopo is well know in the Jacksonville Art Community for his art and participation with a number of art groups. He has been created and his creations star in many shows and have garnered many awards. Although he is not a member of the Art Center, we are happy he chooses to participate in many of our shows.
Here are a few words from Ron, "Although I never went to art school, I constantly had the urge to create. Corporate America didn't take my creativity away, new relationships didn't take it away - and I was learning not to take creativity away from myself. In 2005, I began to study basic photography, I took art classes, I engaged the art communities where I lived - and I fell in love with something other than my husband. After over 48 years of art suppression, I decided it was time to define myself. I decided it was time to art. I've been creating my pieces ever since and have sold numerous small projects and 10 large, mixed media pieces. My art, to my delight, continues to win awards at shows and exhibits. I am proud of what my art has accomplished and I am so excited to push it further, I have 48 years of art to make up for and I am ready to move forward. I am defining myself, I am an artist.
Here are a few words from Ron, "Although I never went to art school, I constantly had the urge to create. Corporate America didn't take my creativity away, new relationships didn't take it away - and I was learning not to take creativity away from myself. In 2005, I began to study basic photography, I took art classes, I engaged the art communities where I lived - and I fell in love with something other than my husband. After over 48 years of art suppression, I decided it was time to define myself. I decided it was time to art. I've been creating my pieces ever since and have sold numerous small projects and 10 large, mixed media pieces. My art, to my delight, continues to win awards at shows and exhibits. I am proud of what my art has accomplished and I am so excited to push it further, I have 48 years of art to make up for and I am ready to move forward. I am defining myself, I am an artist.
Artist Marcelo Murillo
Marcelo has been shooting professionally since 2013, experienced in sport events, portraits, commercial photography, headshots and many other types of photography. he is also an FAA licensed Part 107 drone pilot and an active member of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). Marcelo has been taking photos since he was a teenager with film then he made the transition to digital. He still enjoy shooting film and have a film camera collection he uses regularly.
For more info about Marcelo Murillo visit him at
Website: www.mamphotox.com
Instagram: @mamphotox
Facebook: @mamphotox
For more info about Marcelo Murillo visit him at
Website: www.mamphotox.com
Instagram: @mamphotox
Facebook: @mamphotox
Artist Peggy Harrell Jennings
Peggy Harrell Jennings is a visual artist/writer from Jacksonville, Florida who works primarily in oils and acrylics. She has taught art in Clay and Duval County public and private schools, the Jacksonville Art Museum (now MOCA), MOSH and numerous other venues and exhibited locally with JAG and Orange Park Art Guild. She has been an exhibiting member of the Jacksonville Watercolor Society, Jacksonville Weaver’s Guild, Crown Craftsmen, and National Art Education Association.
Peggy Harrell Jennings has been creating art and writing since childhood. She earned degrees in English and minors in Psychology, Philosophy (University of West Georgia) as well as a minor in art from Reinhardt College and completed her degrees in Fine Art and Applied Art at University of Southwestern Louisiana. She continued with post graduate studies in fine art, art history and art education at University of North Florida.
Peggy is also a member of the Art Center Cooperative, Inc. Besides teaching visual art, classical ballet and Language Arts to all grades and ages from pre-k through adults, she has worked in advertising, is a costume, set and prop designer for theater productions and ballets and choreographs for The Jacksonville Concert Ballet Company. She illustrates her published children’s books as well including the latest – Ginny’s Journey – written in rhyming couplets. The book pairs educational information about Jacksonville’s historic districts with humor as a giant guinea pig navigates her way to MOSH, the Cummer Gallery and other well-known sites.
Peggy Harrell Jennings has been creating art and writing since childhood. She earned degrees in English and minors in Psychology, Philosophy (University of West Georgia) as well as a minor in art from Reinhardt College and completed her degrees in Fine Art and Applied Art at University of Southwestern Louisiana. She continued with post graduate studies in fine art, art history and art education at University of North Florida.
Peggy is also a member of the Art Center Cooperative, Inc. Besides teaching visual art, classical ballet and Language Arts to all grades and ages from pre-k through adults, she has worked in advertising, is a costume, set and prop designer for theater productions and ballets and choreographs for The Jacksonville Concert Ballet Company. She illustrates her published children’s books as well including the latest – Ginny’s Journey – written in rhyming couplets. The book pairs educational information about Jacksonville’s historic districts with humor as a giant guinea pig navigates her way to MOSH, the Cummer Gallery and other well-known sites.
Artist Leila Griffith
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Raised in Georgia by a well-known Golden Isles artist mother, she studied painting most of her young life and ultimately pursued a visual arts degree at Georgia State University. After college, fate had a different plan for her and she embarked on a career in catalog merchandising, which she enjoyed for over 35 years. She traveled the globe exploring wholesale trade shows, artists’ studios, rural warehouses, antiques markets and arts museums and markets to source and develop the most appropriate products for the discriminating direct mail audience.
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She designed, merchandised, and managed the gallery shop at The Bascom, a Visual Arts Center, in Highlands, NC, for five years, but she rarely picked up a brush or pencil until four years ago. When recovering from several serious health issues, and the need to lighten her mood, family and friends encouraged her to rediscover her inner creative voice – and she has found her new passion. Her work now mostly reflects her love of flora, fauna and nature and her world travels - whether detailing memories of Paris flower shops, farmers’ markets in Chile, wood storks by a neighborhood stream, canine companions, parks outside of London or small Italian villages, she is inspired by color and all things living.
Artist Mary Atwood
Author and fine art photographer Mary Atwood is a long-time resident of the Florida’s First Coast area whose deep appreciation of its natural beauty, rich history and diverse culture is often reflected in her work.
As the daughter of a World War II military photographer, Mary grew up with a camera in hand. Her earliest memories of taking photographs are of using a Kodak Brownie when she was six years old. From there, her experiences involved learning to use a wide variety of camera equipment from Polaroid to Hasselblad, and just about everything in between.
Mary’s fine art photography is included in numerous public, private, and corporate collections in the both the United States and France. She was the recipient of the Community Foundation of Northeast Florida’s prestigious Art Ventures grant in 2011, has done commissioned work for MOCA Jacksonville, and was invited by the Sister Cities organization of Nantes, France to exhibit her First Coast Reflections project as part of the inaugural celebration for la Maison des Etates-Unis (The American House) during the summer of 2013.
Mary’s work has been exhibited in galleries, museums and public art venues, with over twenty solo shows. To date, her photographs have won more than fifty awards in local, regional and national juried exhibitions.
As the daughter of a World War II military photographer, Mary grew up with a camera in hand. Her earliest memories of taking photographs are of using a Kodak Brownie when she was six years old. From there, her experiences involved learning to use a wide variety of camera equipment from Polaroid to Hasselblad, and just about everything in between.
Mary’s fine art photography is included in numerous public, private, and corporate collections in the both the United States and France. She was the recipient of the Community Foundation of Northeast Florida’s prestigious Art Ventures grant in 2011, has done commissioned work for MOCA Jacksonville, and was invited by the Sister Cities organization of Nantes, France to exhibit her First Coast Reflections project as part of the inaugural celebration for la Maison des Etates-Unis (The American House) during the summer of 2013.
Mary’s work has been exhibited in galleries, museums and public art venues, with over twenty solo shows. To date, her photographs have won more than fifty awards in local, regional and national juried exhibitions.
Artist Robyn Freedman
Originally, my career began in advertising and design. This was a time when we did everything by hand. That background has continued to be a part of my daily life. Florida-based, I have been honing in on my drawing and painting skills for the past several years. Going back to basics to exercise my hands with pencils and brushes, watercolors have become my favorite medium, again.
My goal has been to find a way to bring what I see, to be full of life on the page. My pencil and brushes don’t stop. There is constant use of movement and energy within my work, as well as a strong set of colors from my surroundings. The beach, the sand, the sky, the sunshine, the garden, the flowers, and all the beauty around me inspires my passion for vibrant color.
With my name being Robyn, it is fitting that I be associated with bird nests. theflyingbirdnest is symbolic of the numerous homes and locations that I have moved to while managing to maintain my artistic spirit. I find myself yearning to continue to learn and develop so I can continue to drop art into my nest.
My goal has been to find a way to bring what I see, to be full of life on the page. My pencil and brushes don’t stop. There is constant use of movement and energy within my work, as well as a strong set of colors from my surroundings. The beach, the sand, the sky, the sunshine, the garden, the flowers, and all the beauty around me inspires my passion for vibrant color.
With my name being Robyn, it is fitting that I be associated with bird nests. theflyingbirdnest is symbolic of the numerous homes and locations that I have moved to while managing to maintain my artistic spirit. I find myself yearning to continue to learn and develop so I can continue to drop art into my nest.
Artist Kathy Morris
I am a lifetime resident of the Jacksonville and surrounding areas. I currently live in Green Cove Springs. I first started painting over 40 years ago and like many others was greatly inspired by Bob Ross. I was always amazed at the beautiful paintings he could create in just 30 minutes. He inspired me to pick up a bush and give it a try. I followed as many of his tutorials as I could and eventually enrolled in a community oil painting class. There I learned new skills and my painting began to improve, but then life happened. I had 2 daughters and open oil paints, and thinners just didn’t work with two small kids running around. So, I put the paints away and told myself one day I would get back to it. As life went on, I was never able to find the time. But I told myself more times that I can count, “once I retire, I’m going to start painting again” …. Well, here I am more than 35 years later living that dream! When I started back, I naturally started with oils as it was all I knew. I watched some YouTube tutorials and attended some in-person workshops and classes. I also enrolled in a fantastic online pet portrait course where I learned not only how to paint pets but so many new techniques that I use today in all types of paintings! I have now been focusing on using acrylics for no other reason than the clean-up is much easier. I have yet to find “my thing” and instead, paint a very wide range of subject matter. I paint land and seascapes, animals, buildings, florals…. I just haven’t decided yet what I like best. Varity is the spice of life!
Artist Lisa Lofton
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I am a 2-D artist using acrylic on canvas as my primary medium. I do like to create mixed media pieces as well, combining ink, charcoal, and acrylic. My images are illustrative and vibrant. With a background in architecture and drafting I have a fondness for old buildings and functional objects with history, with a story. I search for subject matter with an open mind and feel that no apparatus, scene, or person cannot be depicted in a way that will result in a reconnection to it. What is considered often mundane and ordinary has a functional history and beauty.
like the humor that can be found in an object, place, or time. My current series, “Vintage Florida” was born out of a pandemic and the reminiscence of a carefree and joyful time of discovery in my life. As a transplant in childhood, I saw the State of Florida as a wonderful adventure with so much to offer a visitor. |
Born in the 60’s, many of my Florida pieces reflect memories of objects and places that have brought me a sense of happiness and peace.
For me, painting is like reading a well-loved book, a vehicle for escapism when needed, and always a path to understanding myself and my surroundings. There is more than an intrinsic value in things, their relationship with a person gives them a new identity that is often sentimental and priceless. I hope to revive fond memories for each viewer with my current series. Welcome to Florida and a Sunshine State of Mind!
For me, painting is like reading a well-loved book, a vehicle for escapism when needed, and always a path to understanding myself and my surroundings. There is more than an intrinsic value in things, their relationship with a person gives them a new identity that is often sentimental and priceless. I hope to revive fond memories for each viewer with my current series. Welcome to Florida and a Sunshine State of Mind!
Artist Leslie Kruzicki
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Born in NJ, Leslie enjoyed growing up in a creative atmosphere. She watched her parents perform in, or direct productions by the local community theater. Some of her parents' friends were visual artists. Her first formal art lessons were at age 8. Leslie studied Fine Arts and Literature, receiving a dual BA from Ramapo College. She worked as a Graphic Artist in Virginia as well as opening her own Boudoir Photography Studio. For many years her garden and photography were her means of visual expression. She returned to painting in 2007. Her work has grown and expanded from photography & watercolor, to include a passion for mixed media. Learning new techniques and improving her skills is a constant goal. She is grateful to live in an area with an intensely active artistic community and belongs to several local arts organizations. Her work can be viewed and purchase on line at SharedVisionsArt.com |
Artist Kat McCall
Kat McCall’s fashions amazing ceramic works. Many hours of patience, experience and talent go into the fine detail of each piece she creates
Artist Pat Setser
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Pat Setser has been a creative all of her life. As a child she was awarded a scholarship to the Dayton Art Institute. She has continued her art studies, classes and workshops throughout high school, college and in her adult life.
The beauty of the natural world and its people are what inspires her. Pat has traveled to many continents where she enjoyed the landscapes, the history, the art and the people. Experimental and diverse themes encompass her work. Over the years, Pat has done sculpting, mural art and textile art. She has used an array of art materials in her work such as oil, watercolor, acrylic, colored pencil, graphite. Now she primarily does mixed media art. She also does commissioned artwork. As an award-winning artist who belongs to the Jacksonville Branch of the National League of American Pen Women, Inc., SoMMA (Society of Mixed Media Artists) and JAG (Jacksonville Artists Guild), she continues to enjoy supporting other artists and learning. Pat has recently won awards at MoSH and in Washington D.C. Her art is in collections in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky and Ohio. |
